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From AsiaOne

LABIS, Malaysia - Of late, a graceful Argentinean-Malaysian is making its presence felt with the semi-rural townsfolk here.

For the past few days, hundreds of local residents, with some coming all the way from neighbouring Segamat, are making a point to meet Mac in action at Dataran Labis.

Measuring in at less than 1.4 metres, Mac is in fact a three-year-old horse that has been entertaining the townsfolk with carriage rides around the field in Dataran Labis.

"I brought Mac here as a way to promote my business in conjunction with the Tenang state by-election," said owner Mohd Ali Sheikh Mohamad when met recently at Dataran Labis.

The 50-year-old Johor Baru-based horsebreeder said the public were charged RM3 (S$1.26) per ride on the horse-carriage which consists of two rounds around the field.

Since arriving here last week, Mac and Mohd Ali have been staying near Dataran Labis.

The horse's arrival, both Mac and his owner's charm have stirred the curiousity of many adults and children as the real life sight of such an animal is a rare treat in this part of the state.

Mohd Ali, who communicates to Mac in English, said the young horse was considered well-mannered and friendly as he did not overeact to human touch.

"The children just love him as he can be stroked by them without kicking-up a fuss."

However, Mohd Ali said their journey and upkeep, mainly for the horse, was not cheap as Mac's food ration and upkeep is about RM40 per day.

"He (Mac) is fed with wheat, oats, pellets and eggs daily. It is important that a horse has a balanced diet to be healthy," he said, adding that he also bred seven other horses on his Simpang Renggam farm.

Mohd Ali, who speaks fluent Mandarin, said he and Mac would be at Dataran Labis until this Saturday before they return to Johor Baru.

Labis teacher Hanafi Salleh, 34, said he was thrilled there was a horse carriage attraction as it would provide something entertaining for the entire family. Being a frequent visitor to Dataran Labis, Hanafi said it was a welcome attraction as usually children only played kites at the field.

"The horse is very friendly, and my 6-year-old daughter Nurain Lyana likes to stroke the horse.

However, she is still afraid of getting on the horse carriage," said Hanafi, who teaches at Sekolah Kebangsaan LKTP Chemplak, Labis.

-- New Straits Times